Our Spring term ended yesterday with pupils having an opportunity to ignore all healthy eating regulations and enjoy a special breakfast of hot dogs, which were prepared by our dedicated canteen staff. Even our builders got a hot dog!

During this extended break, the draw took place for “Adopt A Square” which was organised by our Head Girl Judith Leeman and her cousin Laura Nesbitt. During a recent assembly Judith and Laura explained that they were organising this fundraising event for the PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children as they had provided excellent treatment to Judith’s younger brother Matthew following an accident in April 2017.

As a result, £466 was raised with Judith stating “I want to thank everyone who contributed to this very worthy cause – it is very much appreciated.”

The winners of the “Adopt a Square” draw were as follows: 1) Philip Gibson, 2) Jamie Nesbitt, 3) Ben Watson.

27/03/18 – Prince’s Trust Team Building Day

Year 11 Prince’s Trust pupils and Mr Cousins had the best Monday ever as they travelled to the Bloody Bridge near Newcastle, to take part in wet bouldering, as part of a Shared Education Team Building Day. The weather was bright and sunny, the views were spectacular and all participants had a massive smile on their faces during the 2 hour session. Bravery was the moto of the day and everyone enjoyed taking a leap of faith into the deep rock pools.

The Prince’s Trust is part of a modified curriculum being delivered in school this year with units in Managing Money, Career Planning, Presentation Skills, Participation in Exercise and Leadership Skills etc. Completion of the course will result in a Level 2 qualification equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

26/03/18 - Year 9 Living History Event

History was brought to life last Friday afternoon for our Year 9 pupils who are currently studying the Plantation of Ulster and its impact on society in N Ireland today.

Pupils enjoyed great interaction with two entertaining and knowledgeable characters from the 1641 Rebellion, dressed in full period costume with authentic weapons and artefacts. Pupils were thoroughly engaged and deepened their understanding of the significance of the Flight of the Earls and the subsequent Plantation of Ulster.

Thanks go to Mrs Reid for inviting the Living History team into school to brighten up a Friday afternoon's lesson.

26/03/18 - W5 Space Dome visits Newtownhamilton

Key Stage 3 Science Pupils were treated to an “out of this world” experience when W5 brought their Space Dome to Newtownhamilton for an interactive presentation about the telescopes.

“Through the Lens” gave pupils insight into the history and development of Telescopes allowing pupils to learn about the work of astronomers such as Galileo and Isaac Newton. Pupils learnt how telescopes worked and were able to look at some famous pictures taken by telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope.

As well as that, pupils were able to explore the future of space travel and learn about new technology such as the James Webb space telescope which will be the most powerful telescope ever created. This is due for launch in 2019 and aims to travel further into space than ever before.

Finally, pupils were given some careers inspiration and learnt about potential jobs in the space industry.

Overall, a very enjoyable day and many thanks to W5 for their continued support of the school.

26/03/18 - U16 Football still in the hunt for League glory.

Now that the winter freeze has lifted, the U16s have resumed their league campaign. Last week they travelled to Craigavon play take on Brownlow Integrated. They managed a last minute 2-2 draw thanks to a double from Year 10 pupil Steven King.

Result: Brownlow 2 -2 Newtownhamilton

S. King x2

Tuesday saw them take on a strong Markethill High school at home in a hotly contested local derby. In a tight first half Newtownhamilton had a slim 2-1 lead, with Markethill with most of the possession and the home side hitting on the counter attack. A second half onslaught from Markethill was well halted by the Newtownhamilton defence, and they exploited some gaps at the back to eventually run out deserved 5-2 winners.

Result: Newtownhamilton 5 - 2 Markethill

J. McKee x2

B. Telford x2

P. Watt

22/03/18 - Dragon’s Den

Year 9 pupils were challenged by our three Dragons as they gave their presentations on their Quick Start Companies. Congratulations to all our companies who have developed their entrepreneurial, communication, team working, financial, creativity and time management skills. As the Dragons put them through their paces with difficult on the spot questions –team members had to think on their feet to recall how their business marketed their products, solved problems and explained financial issues.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our three Dragons: Mrs Cathy Morrison from Young Enterprise Mr Simon Black from SlackPress and Mr Cousins. Our Runner up award was presented to Young Bolts with Grand Designz being chosen as overall winner. A huge congratulations to all the members of Grand Designz who not only won Dragon’s Den but were also the Overall Quickstart winners at Rushmere.

21/03/18 - Extra Jiving Class

Back by popular demand for one last week. Week 6 of our Jiving Lessons at Newtownhamilton High School on Tuesday 27th March @ 8pm.

Our Monday morning assembly was delivered this week by our Head Girl Judith Leeman and her cousin Laura Nesbitt. Judith bravely spoke about how her younger brother Matthew was involved in a terrible accident in April 2017, which resulted in him sustaining traumatic head injuries when he fell from a trampoline.

Judith and Laura both explained that Matthew was a patient in the PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children and that a nurse was at his bedside 24 hours a day in order to monitor his condition. Both girls praised the hospital staff who were always on hand to deal with Matthew’s medical issues. Within 13 days Matthew regained his strength and was discharged.

To show gratitude towards the PICU for their hard work and dedication, Judith and Laura are having an “Adopt A Square” fundraiser. For £1 pupils, staff and friends can purchase a square to win one of three Easter Egg prizes with squares on sale from the school office and the girls. The draw will take place on Wednesday 28th March.

Furthermore, the Leeman family are also hosting a Coffee Morning in aid of PICU, which will be held on Saturday 14th April (10am-1pm) in Corkley Orange Hall.

Principal Neil Megaw stated “Judith and Laura demonstrated incredible bravery in delivering their assembly. I want to encourage everyone who has a connection with Newtownhamilton High School and indeed the Newtownhamilton community to support both girls in this very important fundraising event”.

13/03/18 - Artist of the Month

We have two winners for ‘Artist of the Month’ - Michelle Knight in 8x and Faith Belshaw in 8a.

Both girls produced beautiful pieces of work on old and modern aboriginal Art. Their presentation skills were brilliant and both worked very hard. Well done girls!

12/03/18 - Madison started the week ‘quids - in’

At a recent assembly, Joe Darragh our Education Welfare Officer addressed all pupils regarding the importance of attendance at school. Pupils had the opportunity to see first-hand the impact attendance has on expected GCSE outcomes.

At Newtownhamilton High we strive to promote and reward good attendance. In assembly this morning, all those pupils who had a full week of attendance from 5th – 9th March and gained their 5 Merit awards, were entered into a surprise draw.

Madison McKnight started the week ‘quids - in’ as she won the £20 spot prize. Well done Madison!

We would encourage all parents and pupils to ensure attendance is maintained above 90%.

05/03/18 - STEM Roadshow

Year 8 and 9 pupils had the opportunity to explore the world of STEM today with a Big Bang Inspire Me Roadshow delivered by Sentinus.

The focus of the day was on renewable energy sources and in particular electric powered vehicles. During the session pupils worked in teams of 4 to construct a small vehicle powered by an electric motor and a dynamo. Pupils were challenged to use gear ratios to improve their vehicles performance allowing it to travel at a faster speed or go up an incline.

All pupils participated well with particular attention paid to the removal of all petrol and diesel engines in the UK by 2040. At present this government commitment does not extend farm machinery or lorries, much to the relief of pupils! A fantastic experience!